Swollen knee due to injury or strenuous activity

A trauma to the knee’s bones, ligaments, tendons, bursae, meniscus, or articular cartilage can cause pain and swelling. Serious injury can cause blood to flood into the knee joint, leading to significant swelling, warmth, stiffness, and bruising.This condition is called « haemarthrosis » and can warrant urgent medical care.
In many cases, a mild to moderately swollen knee may be treated at home. A doctor should be contacted if:
1 The knee is severely swollen or has a pronounced abnormality
2 The knee cannot fully straighten or flex
3 The knee is severely painful (e.g. the pain is not adequately treated with over-the-counter medication)
4 The person cannot bear weight on the knee, or feels as if
5 the knee is going to « give out »
6 The skin over the knee turns hot or red
7 The person has a fever of 100.4 or higher
8 Swelling has been present for 3 or more days

How to manage a mild to moderately swollen knee❓
You can practice PRICE
P= Protection from new injuries
R= Resting from strenuous activities
I= Icing 3 to 4 times a day for 20 minutes at a time
C= Compressing the knee with an ace bandage to prevernt further swelling
E= keeping the leg Elevated higher then your heart to help with fluid resorption

On top of that, you can use Tylenol, Aleve or motrin to help with pain as needed. You can also use crutches if needed to help with ambulation. Perform some range of motion exercises to help with preservation of function and avoid stiffness.
If despite doing all this your knee is still swollen after 3 to 4 days, you need to seek medical attention.Dr. Pierre-Pierre